Sore? Try a Saline Rinse

As you progress with your orthodontic treatment, you may feel some soreness in your mouth. A saline rinse can manage discomfort and also promote healing.

Why is my mouth sore?

It is normal for orthodontics patients to feel discomfort in the beginning of their treatment, and after adjustments during treatment.

Your teeth, gums, and the inside of your cheeks and lips need time to adjust to the new shape and position of your braces. The braces will rub against different spots inside the mouth, causing irritation and sores.

What is a saline solution?

Saline solution is a mixture of salt and water that you swish around in your mouth to sooth oral irritation.

How does saline solution work?

There are two things that saline solutions help with, they provide temporary pain relief and promote healing. The saltwater works as something of an antiseptic, gently washing away bacteria from the affected area, and reducing the alkalinity of the mouth.

Saline solutions also help reduce swelling.

A salt water rinse is a temporary, mild solution for pain relief. If you find it’s not effective, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkiller, such as ibuprofen, is a suitable alternative.

How do I make a saline solution, and how do I use it?

Stir one tablespoon of salt into 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water, until it is completely dissolved.

Take a mouthful of the salt water and swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out into the sink. Repeat this procedure until the salt water is gone. You can do this as often as you like throughout the day.